Hey all, I’m still trying to ease my way back into regular blogging, but I always seem to be doing something else and don’t think of it until I’m lying in bed trying to fall asleep.  Oh well, it happens, right?

Anyway, I found this tag over at Me and Ink and decided it would be fun to answer some writing questions.  I haven’t talked too much about that over here on this blog, but maybe I should a little (and on that note, you can always check out my Author Website if you feel like it ;) ).  But I always like answering questions about writing whenever I am asked!

So, let’s get on with this Writer Tag!

What type of writing do you do?

Fiction, as well as blogging (ha).  I like creating new characters and putting them into situations that I might have imagined myself in or just see what happens.  I also write fanfiction – it’s actually through fanfiction that I was able to hone my craft throughout high school.

What genres and/or topics do you write about?

Contemporary.  I like writing things that are relatable or that I could see happening in real life.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first short story when I was twelve and that’s when the writing-bug hit me.  So that makes it… 16 years now

Are you published?

Yes :)  Self-published, but yeah… published.

What was the first story you ever wrote?

My first short story was called Homework Helpers.  I think I still have it somewhere…

Why do you write?

Because my head would explode if I didn’t get all these ideas out.

Also because it’s fun.  It’s like reading because I get to escape into another world for a while… only I’m the one writing it and well, that’s pretty cool.

How do you find time to write?

I usually have time before bed.  It’s just a matter of what I decide to do with that time – read or write.  If the itch is there and I’m awake enough or if I have a deadline, I’ll write.

When and where are the best times to write?

Quiet spaces, away from people.  I like going to libraries (other than the one I work at) and using a study space or table in a corner.  Sometimes my own room works, but I can be easily distracted at home.

Favorite food/drinks while writing?

Chocolate, water, and sometimes either coffee or tea depending on the time.

Your writing playlist?

It depends on what I’m writing and my mood.  Sometimes I’ll keep a fun playlist on low, but other times I’ll need absolute silence so I can only hear the clicking of my keyboard.

What do family/friends/loved ones think of you writing?

They’re supportive of it, especially when I released my book last year.  A lot of my cousins read it and loved it.  My mom was actually one of my most critical editors and she loved it (very surprising since my book is YA and she’s not that big on YA books).  I also have two great writing friends whom I can go to with issues I’m having while writing, and one of my other good friends was my number one editor of my book.

Parts of writing you enjoy the most?

When I lose control of what’s happening because the characters just literally take over and run away with the story.  They’re the ones telling it… I’m just typing it.

I also like acting out little parts as they happen… it’s kinda fun, but this is why I write when I’m alone, haha.

Parts of writing you find challenging?

Starting a new story if I don’t really know where to begin, and of course, when writer’s block hits in the middle of a project.

What do you write with and on?

Mainly my laptop, using either Word or Scrivener.  Sometimes I’ll write in Google Docs or in a notebook when I have something I have to get out but I’m not home.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

Reading, or just doing something other than writing.  Writing prompts can sometimes spark a new idea if I’m stuck.  I also talk to my writing buddies and then an idea will hit me before they respond, lol.  But taking a break is always the best thing to do.

How do you motivate yourself to write?

I’m not sure, honestly.  I just do it.  But like I said, my head might break if I don’t get all my ideas out in some way.

Authors who inspire you as a writer?

Sarah Dessen, JK Rowling (duh), Richard Paul Evans, Jenna Evans Welch… just to name a few because there really are a lot more.

Books that inspire you as a writer?

The books of the authors above and well, just about any of my favorite books (there are sooooo many)

Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer?

Just write.  It doesn’t have to be perfect; just get the ideas onto paper (or in a doc file).

And from Stephen King’s book, On Writing – don’t base your story on plot, put the characters into a situation and see how they react.  That advice is literally how I wrote my book, Standing By.

Writing goals this year?

Finish a rewrite of an old story I’m working on, and start on a new YA novel (possible follow up to Standing By).

And that, my friends, is the end of the tag.  I enjoyed answering the questions and if you’re a writer, I’d love to see how you answer these as well! :)